Budget Trip to Indianapolis

[PixiePlanner]

We are looking at heading to Indianapolis next month for a couple of days to get away before school starts mid-August.

I am planning on the zoo but am having a tough time figuring out what else to do that is budget & tween friendly.

TIA!

 

[5 at disney]

Indians game, children's museum, IMAX. Just a few suggestions

 

[Narnia_girl]

If you can at all swing it, do the children's museum. It's amazing!

 

[mrsklamc]

Well it depends what budget it has to be friendly to. Our children's museum is amazing but not cheap. (It is free though if you happen to be coming on the first Thursday of the month, when it's free from 4-8pm.)

What do your kids like to do? The art museum and grounds are free and have some really neat things.

Duck Pin bowling in fountain square- call & make a reservation sometime when you can go upstairs, as opposed to downstairs.

My nieces and nephews like to go to the drive in movie when they come to town.

 

[lisa3635]

I agree with everyone else, our childrens museum is one of the best in the country. Its not horribly expensive, but if i had to chose id do it over the zoo anyday. Our zoo is ok, but its kind of small and there are definately better omes around.

 

[basketrn]

Children's Museum
IMAX
Zoo is ok...
If you have boys...Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Indiana State Fair starts in August but not sure the dates
Conner Prairie

This isn't Indianapolis...but Holiday World is great!

 

[mrsklamc]

Holiday World is great...this is true.

You can also rent various watercraft or bicycles along the canal.

http://www.wheelfunrentals.com/Locations/Indianapolis-2

 

[mrsklamc]

Just saw your avatar for DS- this might be a necessity:

http://www.indianamuseum.org/visit/exhibit/star-wars/

 

[clh2]

Most state capitals (at least the ones I am familiar with) offer free tours of their capital buildings.

 

[powellrj]

Check out the Indians home page, its a really nice minor league ball park and they have lots of specials! The state fair is in Aug, but it can get pricey. They use to have AAA specials at the zoo, not sure if they still do or not. Conner Prairie is nice and my kids always enjoyed going, it not far. There are several nice water parks, I am not local so I don't know which one is the nicest, so maybe someone can post which one to see.

 

[erin327]

I agree with everyone else.

The Children's Museum
Conner Prairie
Zoo
Indians game

 

[Narnia_girl]

Children's Museum
IMAX
Zoo is ok...
If you have boys...Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Indiana State Fair starts in August but not sure the dates
Conner Prairie

This isn't Indianapolis...but Holiday World is great!

We love Holiday World!

 

[ICF]

Holiday World is great, but is about a 3 hr drive from Indy -- much closer to Louisville then Indy.

I'd highly recommend the Childrens Museum. One of the best around and a great way to spend a day.

IMO, I think think the zoo is only so-so....and not worth the cost.

Indians games are fun and easy to do should you stay downtown.

 

[dznyacct]

Love love love going to an Indians game !! We hope to get to one in the next few weeks. It is a gorgeous stadium and very reasonable ticket prices, as well as concession prices.

 

[Jenny-momof3]

We've been to numerous Children's Museums in many states. The Indy museum is by far our favorite! And even my 14 and 18 yr old love it! Tons for all ages!

The zoo isn't worth it IMO. In fact, we could get in free and skipped it. Just doesn't have much to offer.

 

[mrsabbott]

We visit Indy often because it is so close and we have family near there! We love Indy! The Children's Museum is must for all ages I think! It's been awhile since the zoo, but I remember us enjoying it. There are lots of neat restaurants and shopping there. Check out the Broad Ripple area for a cool vibe. There were some great little shops around there that i enjoyed. My Hubs is a HUGE racing fan so we've visited the speedway museum a bunch of times but it can be a little boring for those who aren't fans. We haven't visited their art museum there but it is on my to do list. If you are ever there during basketball season, a Pacers game is must! haven't been to an Indians game but sounds fun!

 

[HoosierDaddy71]

I didn't see the Indianapolis Motor Speedway mentioned but there is a museum inside the track that has some really nice cars. You can also take a ride around the track for reasonable amount. For about $20 pp, you can stop and kiss the bricks.

Also, if you are going the last week in July, the NASCAR race will be in town and practice is only $10 with under 12 free. Just take earplugs for at least the kids if you go.

Can't recommend the Children's Museum enough, too. By the canal, there is a USS Indianapolis memorial that is nice. There is a Civil War museum under the monument on the circle that even most locals don't know about. Circle Centre mall has some cool shops and a large food court.

 

[GaBelle]

The Children's museum is crazy good!! If you can splurge on one thing, this is it!
See an Indians game at Victory Field. It is a great venue, and budget friendly.
My kids are a little younger, 11 and 7, but they talk about Connor Prairie all the time.

 

[Mickeefan]

Depending on when you're coming, the State Fair starts on 8/2. They offer special deals for cheap tickets (buy them ahead, $2 days on Tuesdays, I think, other options). Look them up on IN.gov website. I love the fair!

 

[TheIndyRowes]

Don't forget to check out the State Museum, they currently have a Star Wars exhibit, if anyone in your family is interested.

indianamuseum.org/visit/exhibit/star-wars

IMA (Indianapolis Museum of Art) is nice, and free.